December 1, 1856: “Lines Written on the Death of Solomon Juneau”, by anon, published in the Milwaukee Sentinel.
I include a few lines, written by an old friend (lady) when informed of his death.
A solemn stillness reigns around,
Dark forms are bending there
In silent grief;—no sob or sound
Disturbs the quiet air.
Why bows the Red man’s lofty head?
Why is his step so slow?—
Death hath a fatal arrow sped—
His long-tried friend lies low.
Oh, Mani’ou! why did’st thou call
Him to the far-off land?
To roam the happy hunting grounds,
And head a spirit-band?
No more will beat his noble heart,
His generous hand is cold;
We’ll sit no longer at his feet
In council, as of old.
And white men’s hearts responsive swell
While gazing on the dead—
For many loved that sleeper well,
Whose spirit hence hath fled.
Each Chief now summons forth his band,
A man of God is there—
And floats o’er all the forest land
The funeral chant and prayer.
And mournfully that numerous throng
Tread o’er the grassy sod,
With him they knew so well and long—
“The noblest work of God.”
Upon a lofty spot of ground
In Nature’s beauties drest,
Place for his manly form they found,
And laid him down to rest.